Dear Friends,

We have a lot to be proud of as residents of Inland Southern California, but recent events have especially filled me with pride.

On Monday, March 11, the I-215 Interchange at the Ramona/Cajalco Expressway was dedicated in Perris. Not only will the expanded interchange help ease traffic congestion on one of Inland Southern California's busiest freeways and improve commercial transport throughout the region, it will provide crucial access to the City of Perris and unincorporated parts of Riverside County.

This accomplishment is a testament to what we can do when public and private entities work together to solve the challenges our region faces. I extend my congratulations to all those involved in this project and take enormous pride in its accomplishment.

On Friday, March 15, Martin Luther King High School continued a tradition where high school students honor the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform through the "King High Remembers" program. Begun in 2001, this program has helped young hearts and minds connect with our veterans by hearing their stories and learning about their lives.

Our youth and community's support of our veterans continues to inspire and motivate me to fight for our men and women in uniform. That is why I have introduced Senate Bills 297, 354, and 382 which seek to increase opportunities for veterans to run their own businesses, help the Department of Veterans Affairs assess and improve current programs for veterans, and develop job training programs for returning veterans (respectively).

How we treat our veterans is representative of what we value as Americans and as human beings - we must protect those who have protected us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. It is truly an honor to serve you.

Respectfully,

RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District